Governor Jim Doyle Honors Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin During State of the State Address

Food Bank Working Hard to Feed Struggling Wisconsinites 

Milwaukee, WI –  Governor Jim Doyle tackled many tough issues during last night’s State of the State Address including education, jobs and the struggling economy.  He also highlighted some individuals and organizations working to address those issues.  Governor Doyle honored Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin, the largest food bank in the state, during last night’s State of the State Address for working hard to feed the hungry.  “I am so proud of all the countless organizations and individuals across this state who have stepped up in this bad economy to meet the needs of struggling families.  Here’s just one example.  The Feeding America food bank in Milwaukee distributes more than 12 million pounds of food each year to 235,000 Wisconsin families.  This year demand increased by 22%.”  Governor Doyle said.

“We are joined tonight by three individuals who represent thousands across the state who run food banks, who make generous donations and who deliver the food to people on the streets.”  Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin President Bonnie Bellehumeur, Maureen Crowley, of the Charles E. Benidt Foundation, and Reverend Michael Champion who runs a food pantry at his church, New Creatures in Christ, were in attendance last night. 

“We are deeply honored to receive such recognition from Governor Doyle,” said Bellehumer.  “We appreciate his support as we continue the important work of feeding the hungry,” she added. 

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235,000 people in eastern Wisconsin rely on food supplied by Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin each year.  The food bank is the largest, private, non-profit distributor of food in the state. Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin distributes more than 12 million pounds of food annually to 1,100 food pantries, meal programs and shelters throughout eastern Wisconsin.  Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin is a member of Feeding America, formerly named America’s Second Harvest, which is consistently ranked as one of the most efficient charities, out of the country’s 100 largest charities, by Forbes magazine.  Since 1982, Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin has distributed more than 220 million pounds of food.  To learn more about hunger in Wisconsin, visit www.feedingamericawi.org.